This specimen is distinguished by an unusually large trapezohedral analcime crystal, accompanied by several smaller "sidecar" analcime crystals attached to its side. The specimen originates from the renowned locality of Mont Saint-Hilaire, an isolated hill in southern Quebec, approximately 40 km east of Montréal. Mont Saint-Hilaire and the associated Poudrette Quarry are celebrated globally among mineral collectors and scientists for their extraordinary mineral diversity. Few other localities in Canada—or indeed the world—have yielded such a wide array of exotic mineral species. Despite decades of scientific research, many of the geological processes that led to the formation of Mont Saint-Hilaire over 115 million years ago remain enigmatic.
Learn more about Mont Saint-Hilaire by visiting the the Canadian Museum of Nature's page about their recently acquired "Haineault Mont Saint-Hilaire Collection" here: https://nature.ca/en/our-science/collections/the-haineault-mont-saint-hilaire-collection/
Be the first to know: latest additions, featured minerals, events, and exclusive updates await you.
Subscribe Now!
Website design by Melanie Lane.
Development and maintenance by Wenex Media Works.